Difficulties break some men but make others

Truly great men must, I think, experience great sorrow on the earth.

It is difficulties that show what men are.

Often behind a great man there is great pain.

Great men may make great mistakes;

Difficulty shows what men are.

It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations.

It is frequently a misfortune to have very brilliant men in charge of affairs. They expect too much of ordinary men.

It is difficult circumstances that show real men.

Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly.

The society of the Culture-Philistines makes life a burden to exceptional men.

These are the times that try men's souls.

With man, most of his misfortunes are occasioned by man.

Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.